Promoters behind Falls Festival reveal plans to ‘bolster’ live biz

Festival promoters Jess Ducrou and Paul Piticco have revealed plans for Falls to return in December and January with an all-Australian lineup.

Details on their intentions to push ahead were released in an open letter, sent to media on Wednesday. The pair are promising to “bolster Australia’s live music industry”.

“As Australia heads towards the recovery phase of COVID-19, we have decided to move forward with optimism,” they wrote, offering welcomed confidence to artists, workers and fans.

“We have some of the most exciting acts in the world and this special home-grown edition of Falls will ensure that money stays in our local economy.”

They added that the move will be a big financial benefit for the Australian music community, including artists, managers, crew, agents, roadies, contractors and suppliers.

Event cancellations and postponements in Australia, including Groovin The Moo, Download and Bluesfest, have lost the sector $340 million, according to I Lost My Gig.

Ducrou and Piticco said health and safety remain the promoters’ top priority, saying they will continue to work with, and taking direction from, the health authorities.

Some festival-goers are hesitant to return to live music events until a vaccine is found, according to a survey by youth broadcaster triple j, who polled some 1,500 listeners.

Almost half revealed they would not attend a music festival until a coronavirus vaccine was discovered. 57% said they’d have no problems attending and 43% felt it would be unwise.

The outcome of a similar study of 4,000 music fans by Reuters in the US revealed that 60% said there’d be no way they’d be attending a live music event given the current pandemic.

“Today we’re letting you know that while we’re living in strange times, we’re choosing the bright side. Our team is moving ahead and we hope we’ll be seeing you all in December/January…”

Falls Festival will also raise funds for Support Act during its next season.